Social Security Administration Looks to Make Major Changes to Disability

The Social Security Administration Will Make Major Changes to SSDI

The Social Security Administration has announced that it will make some major changes to its disability program, which will both facilitate claims and make filing more difficult. There are six major changes that those on disability, or who will file for Social Security disability, should know about.

1. Job Listings

The Social Security administration evaluates applicants to determine whether or not the person is capable of having some sort of job, or could in the future. The SSA asks its “vocational experts” to use a “dictionary” which lists 10,000 jobs to compare potential work with the applicant’s physical or mental disability, but the book has not been updated since 1991. It doesn’t, therefore, account for the boom in jobs created by technology and the Internet. The SSA plans to rewrite the book to include this type of work, which might be easier for workers with physically-limiting injuries, but the updates will take at least until 2016, according to the agency.

2. The Grid

Social Security disability lawyers and judges use what they call “the grid” to determine what sort of disability benefits the applicant qualifies for. A person with a serious heart condition in their 60’s, for example, is much more likely to qualify for long term benefits than a young engineer with mild depression and PTSD. The grid, like the job listings dictionary, has not been updated in years, and the Social Security Administration plans to update it.

3. Information Disclosure

Some law firms and applicants have been accused of withholding information, especially medical information, that might be damaging to their claim. The Social Security Administration announced that they would propose a new rule to prevent this type of behavior. However, the SSA has not said what the proposal might look like, or how strict it would be.

4. Doctors and Lawyers

Many concerns have been raised both within and outside of the Social Security Administration that doctors and lawyers might facilitate Social Security disability applicants’ fraud. While many applicants for disability need at least temporary financial assistance, concerns about the administration’s financial situation have led to discussions to help curb fraudulent payouts. The Social Security Administration and its inspector general have created a task force to help determine whether some kind of fraud is being perpetrated by “third parties.”

5. Judge Oversight

Judges appointed to become Social Security Administration judges enter a de facto lifetime appointment. Because it is difficult to remove a judge from their position once they begin working with the SSA, the agency announced that they would change the job description, along with expectations, to make it clear that Social Security Administration judges face strict oversight. Intensified scrutiny will include looking at judges’ rulings, and if there are any statistics outside of the norm – such as more rewards than normal – the agency will push the judge for more intensified training in the system.

6. Caseload

Social Security Administration judges have in the past faced massive caseloads, which not only slows down the entire SSA system, it becomes more difficult for a judge to accurately rule in a case. The agency recommended that all judges see between 500 and 700 cases per year, but Social Security Administration judges have routinely faced 1,000 cases or more. The cap has been lowered twice in the past two years, and currently sits at 800.

While the changes to caseload or job definition could make it easier for some claimants to receive payout in a timely fashion, the crackdown on fraudulent activity could make Social Security disability claims more complex.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Social Security Benefits Claim

Applying for Social Security Disability or Retirement Insurance can be complex. However, we understand that you need your benefits and we will put our years of experience to work for you to ensure that you have the representation necessary to actively pursue your claim. Call the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm today to discuss your Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income case today. We will be glad to discuss any questions you may have during our free, confidential consultation. Call the experienced attorneys at the Strom Law Firm at (803)252-4800.

Centrally located in Columbia, South Carolina, the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm LLC represent clients in a variety of civil and criminal matters. We handle cases throughout South Carolina including Columbia, Lexington, Florence, Camden, Aiken, Charleston, Orangeburg, Irmo, Gilbert, Red Bank, Blythewood, Gaston, West Columbia, Chapin, Rock Hill, Saluda, Lancaster, Sumter, Spartanburg, Newberry, North Augusta, Batesburg-Leesville, as well as cases in Richland County, Lexington County, Fairfield County, Kershaw County, York County, Newberry County, Calhoun County, and Sumter County.

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. J.P. Strom, Jr., PA Strom Law Firm, L.L. C. 803.252.4800 2110 N. Beltline Blvd. Columbia, SC 29204-3999